Sea Island, Georgia
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- For the archipelago, see Sea Islands
Sea Island is an isolated resort island in Glynn County, Georgia. It is located just off the Atlantic coast of southern Georgia. Sea Island is part of the group of islands known as the "Golden Isles of Georgia," together with Jekyl Island, Sapelo Island, and St. Simon's Island. Unlike its two nearest neighbors, Jekyl and St. Simon's, Sea Island is sparsely developed and had been held privately.
In 1911, Howard Coffin (owner of the Hudson Motor Company) purchased 20,000 acres (81 km²) of land on Sapelo Island and began developing it as a private resort for himself and friends. In 1922, he purchased what was formerly called Long Island and renamed it Sea Island. In 1923 he began an overnight inn and lodge named "The Cloisters." In 1927, The Plantation golf course was built. The area was a magnet for industrialists of the era, as well as notable figures from all areas. The area was referred to informally as "Millionaire's Island," and the land on the island was privately owned by some of the wealthiest families in the United States. After the Great Depression, wealthy elites began to vacation in other areas, but The Cloisters remained a spot with the most exclusive clients only. To the present day, land on Sea Island is controlled privately, and public access is limited.
In June 2004, it hosted a summit of the Group of Eight leaders. As with previous sites of the G8 meeting, the venue is remote, easily secured, and has a history of luxurious housing.